‘We’re extremely grateful to God,’ Says Osinbajo after helicopter crash

BY DAMOLA EMMANUEL

The enormity of Saturday’s helicopter crash involving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo became real as amateur video of the crash, which went viral on social media, showed how the VP was spirited away from the chopper.

Shocked residents watched in real fear as other members of the VP’s delegation were scampering out of the fuselage onto a dusty field.

One of the pictures of the crash scene showed Osinbajo standing in the midst of some people, watching the craft from afar, perhaps wondering how God saved him and members of his delegation.

Prof. Osinbajo had gone to Kabba, Kogi State in continuation of the nationwide presidential campaign of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, when the scary event happened.

But moments later, and as he continued his engagements in the state, Osinbajo assured a worried nation, via his twitter handle, that all was well with him, the crew and other members of his entourage; all of them numbering 12.

“We are safe and sound,” the VP tweeted @yemiosinbajo. “Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern, and thank you to the crew who managed and the situation well.

“We believe that God will continue to keep us and Nigeria safe even as we go higher. We continue #NextLevelEngagements in Kabba, Kogi State,” the vice resident was quoted as saying.”

At the Obaro of Kabba’s palace, his first stop after the crash, a calm Osinbajo thanked God profusely for their miraculous escape from probable death.

He said: “We are extremely grateful to the Lord for preserving our lives from the incident that just happened. Everyone is safe and no one is maimed. God has kept us safe and alive, delivered us from death so we can do more for our people and country.”

The non-fatal crash united the nation’s political gladiators momentarily as they all sheathed their swords and congratulated the Vice President on the narrow escape from the jaws of death.

The presidential standard-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yweeted at @atiku: “Dear Vice President @ProfOsinbajo, I just received news of the crash of your helicopter in Kabba, Kogi State. I am happy to note however that all is well with you and your delegation. –AA”

The immediate past governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, tweeted @raufaregbesola: Glad to hear that @ProfOsinbajo and his aides are fine. God keep us all.”

Senate President, and Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also took to twitter to rejoice with the Vice President. @bukolasaraki wrote: “I join all Nigerians in thanking Almighty God for sparing the life of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who survived a helicopter crash over Kabba, Kogi State today.”

Former Minister of Education and erstwhile presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, wrote @obyezeks: “Praise God for preservation of life of the VP, team & crew. Our Aviation Sector is in need of DESPERATE root and branch REFORMS on airports, airlines and aircrafts.

“There have been too many near-crashes. Too many. Security, Safety and Regulatory issues are BEGGING to happen.”

Former Aviation Minister, and a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, thanked God for sparing the VP’s life. He tweeted his message at @reaFFK, declaring: “I Thank God for sparing the life of our Vice President, @ProfOsinbajo, in today’s helicopter crash. The Lord is patient and merciful. Glory, honour and praise be unto His holy name”

After completing his assignment in Kogi State, the VP went back to his twitter handle and tweeted his appreciation to the people of the state:

“Kogi State, thank you so much.

“Today has been eventful day but I am thankful for your warmth and welcome.

“I believe that together, Nigeria will prevail.”